US009057210B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Dumas et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`(54)
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`(71)
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`(72)
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`(73)
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`(*)
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`(65)
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`WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND
`RELATED METHODS
`
`Applicant: Unikey Technologies, Inc., Orlando, FL
`(US)
`Philip C. Dumas, Orlando, FL (US);
`Thomas Bennett, Maitland, FL (US)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Assignee: Unikey Technologies, Inc., Orlando, FL
`(US)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. l54(b) by 106 days.
`Appl. No.: 13/734,671
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 4, 2013
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2013/0176107A1
`
`Jul. 11,2013
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 13/415,365,
`filed on Mar. 8, 2012.
`
`Provisional application No. 61/453,737, filed on Mar.
`17, 201 1.
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`G05B 23/00
`B60R 25/00
`
`(2006.01)
`(2013.01)
`(Continued)
`
`U.S. Cl.
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`CPC .......... .. E05B 47/00 (2013.01); G07C 9/00309
`(2013.01); G07C 9/00103 (2013.01);
`(Continued)
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC ............... .. G07C 2009/00793; G07C 2209/04;
`G07C 2209/64; G07C 9/00571; G07C
`9/00174; G07C 2209/08; G07C 2209/62;
`G07C 9/00309; G07C 2009/00365; G07C
`2009/64; G07C 9/0057; G07C 2009/00507;
`G07C 9/00103; G07C 9/00087; G07C
`9/00182; G07C 9/00563; G07C 2209/63;
`
`G07C 9/00904; G07C 9/0018; G07C
`2009/00785; G07C 2009/00825; G07C
`2009/00865; G07C 9/00023; G07C 9/00111;
`G07C 2209/00365; G07B 15/063; G07B
`15/00; H04W 12/00; H04W 12/06; B65D
`90/023; B65D 90/024; E04H 7/30; H01H
`85/10; B62H 5/14; B62H 5/20; E05B 15/101;
`E05B 47/0002; E05B 47/00; H04L 63/0428;
`H04L 63/0492
`USPC ....... .. 340/5.61, 10.3, 10.33, 10.34, 5.1, 5.72,
`340/539.21, 539.23, 5.27, 5.64, 5.71, 5.2,
`340/426.28, 539.11, 542, 825.31, 572.9;
`455/343, 404.1, 414.1, 556.1;
`70/279.1, 224, 278.2, 277, 9, 21,
`70/278.1; 726/17, 19
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`6,072,402 A *
`6/2000 Kniffin et al.
`.............. .. 340/5.28
`6,236,333 B1
`5/2001 King
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`JP
`
`101532353
`2000145222
`
`9/2009
`5/2000
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`International Search Report of corresponding PCT/US2013/059699.
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Mirza Alarn
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Allen, Dyer, Doppelt,
`Milbrath & Gilchrist, P.A.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A wireless access control system includes a remote access
`device and an electronic lock. The electronic lock communi-
`cates with the remote access device. The electronic lock con-
`trols the ability to lock and unlock a door in which the elec-
`tronic lock is disposed. The electronic lock determines when
`the remote access device is at a distance less than or equal to
`a predetermined distance from the lock to enable the lock to
`be unlocked.
`
`45 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`ASSA 1001
`
`1
`
`ASSA 1001
`
`

`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`Page 2
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`B60R 25/10
`E053 49/00
`E053 47/00
`G07C 9/00
`
`(2013.01)
`(200501)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) US‘ C1‘
`CPC .. G07C9/00571 (2013.01); G07C 2009/00793
`(2013.01);G07C2209/04(2013.01);G07C
`2209/64 (2013.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7,173,516 B2
`7,701,331 132*
`2002/0013909 A1
`2003/0222758 A1
`2006/0164208 A1
`
`2008/0117176 A1
`2008/0231433 A1
`2008/0238610 A1
`2009/0002153 A1*
`2009/0066476 A1*
`2010/0052931 A1
`
`2/2007 Mullet et al.
`4/2010 Tran ......................... .. 340/539.1
`1/2002 Baumeisteretal.
`12/2003 Willatsetal.
`7/2006 Schaffzin etal.
`
`5/2008 Ko et al.
`9/2008 McBride et al.
`10/2008 Rosenberg
`.......... .. 340/539.11
`1/2009 Berstisetal.
`3/2009 Raheman ................... .. 340/5.64
`3/2010 Kolpasky et al.
`
`3/2010 Thomas et al.
`2010/0059231 A1
`7/2010 Sharma et al.
`2010/0164683 A1
`8/2010 Robertson et al.
`2010/0201536 A1*
`9/2010 Ghabra etal.
`2010/0245038 A1
`12/2010 Ullmann
`2010/0306549 A1
`9/2011 Kojima et al.
`2011/0223868 A1
`9/2012 Neil et al.
`2012/0234058 A1
`10/2012 Hanover
`2012/0258681 A1
`2012/0230733 A1* 11/2012 Ger11ard1e1a1,
`2013/0241694 A1
`9/2013 Sharmaetal.
`
`....... .. 340/686.6
`
`............. ,, 340/55
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`KR
`KR
`
`KR
`KR
`KR
`W0
`W0
`
`2003262072
`1020030083538
`20040093937 A
`
`9/2003
`10/2003
`11/2004
`
`20050005785 A
`1020080085523
`2020100001205
`W0 2011159921 A1
`2012054253
`
`1/2005
`9/2008
`* 22010
`12/2011
`5/2012
`
`Written Opinion and International Search Report of PCT/US2013/
`059695.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16,2015
`
`Sheet 1 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16,2015
`
`Sheet 2 of 15
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`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`\
`
`13:
`
`14»
`
`:4
`
`4
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`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 3 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 3a
`
`5
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16,2015
`
`Sheet 4 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG.4
`
`6
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`7
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 6 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`101
`
`
`Access Elaulces
`
`Lock Low Power broadcast
`Mod9 (Looking for Re moie
`
`FIG. 6a
`
`102
`
`User Touches lha Lack
`
`(Lock Wakes Up)
`
`103
`
`Listen for bioadcasis from
`Fob and increase broadcasl
`
`rale 10 as iasl as possibte
`
`
`Adverlisemenl
`DBU was
`
`
`lrom lob recieved
`lnuched again
`(withln x sec}
`(within x sec}?
`
`Phone ccmneclahle
`
`advaxfisament response
`(within at sec)
`
`_
`
`124
`
`_
`
`360
`
`
`
`G0 to
`Phflnfl 7'99
`-
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`
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`F8 {Ob
`aulhorized at
`
`N
`
`lhls tlme?
`
`Y
`
`Connect lo Fob
`
`109
`
`
`Exponenliai Back-
`ofll secusity ignore
`
`
`1 To
`
`
`
`Is the Lock
`Unlocked?
`
`Y _
`
`11:
`
`Lock iouched
`a ihlrd lime
`in < x $60?
`
`8
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 6b
`
`LOCK DOOT
`
`Fob
`connection
`timeout?
`
`Chatlange
`tesponse fob
`
`Challenge
`Response OK?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Exponanttat Back-
`oftl security Ignore
`Gather externai and
`
`Internal antenna RS8! and
`um through location +
`Position atgostlhm
`
`
`
`is user in
`
`
`Activation
`range?
`
`
`
`
`Lockiuntcck Door
`(Opposite ot cuuent stale)
`
`Disconnect from FOB
`
`9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 60
`
`
`
`Phone In
`range - Hespondes
`lo lock broadcast
`
` 13 phone
`authorized at
`lnis time’?
`
`
`
`Connect Io
`
`phone - Chalfenge
`Hespransa (Jock to phone)
`
`Chailenge
`
`Response OK’?
`
`
` Exponenliai
`Back-off! securily ignore -
`
`
`
`
`
`Galher external and
`
`internal antenna H38! and
`run through locafion
`
`
`
`atgrollhm
`Wakeup Touch)
`
`Has Bullun Bear:
`Pressed? (Includes
`
`
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 9 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`is user In
`Aclivaflon range?
`
`
`
`unrockflock
`
`{based on boll posillon}
`
`is ihis a one
`time key?
`
`
`
`Defele Key
`from Database
`
`
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 7a
`
`12
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16,2015
`
`Sheet 11 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 7b
`
`Door
`
`90
`
`Activation Fiange
`
`92
`
`
`)insignal Range (Not Active
`lwsignai Range
`91
`“J K“
`
`Activation Range: ~ 3 feet away
`in-signai range: Maximum dislance for communication
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16,2015
`
`Sheet 12 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 8
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 13 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`ex.93
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 16, 2015
`
`Sheet 15 of 15
`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`FIG. 11
`
`17
`
`17
`
`

`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`1
`WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM AND
`RELATED METHODS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`
`APPLICATION(S)
`
`This application is a continuation-in-part of copending
`U.S. application Ser. No. 13/415,365, filed Mar. 8, 2012,
`which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application
`No. 61/453,737, filed Mar. 17, 2011, in its entirety and is
`hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention generally relates to access control
`systems, and more particularly, to wireless access control
`systems for door locks.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`A passive keyless entry (PKE) system offers an increased
`level of convenience over a standard lock and key, for
`example, by providing the ability to access a secure building
`or device without having to find, insert, and turn a traditional
`key. A user may simply approach and touch a locked PKE
`lock and with little if any pause, the lock grants this user
`access if they are carrying an authorized token.
`A PKE system is currently used in an automotive applica-
`tion and may offer increased convenience by identifying driv-
`ers and unlocking the car as they approach and grab the
`handle. Automotive access is traditionally given by inserting
`a key into the lock or by pushing buttons on a traditional
`remote keyless entry (RKE) system. In contrast, a PKE sys-
`tem grants access with reduced user interaction through the
`use of a hands free token carried by the driver.
`Several technical challenges have been encountered during
`the engineering of a radio frequency (RF) PKE system, for
`example, for use in a residential lock. The desired basic
`perceived behavior of the PKE system in a residential appli-
`cation may be as follows: 1) the user approaches and touches
`the lock; 2) the lock authenticates the user with a minimally
`perceived delay; 3) the lock unlocks; 4) the lock may not
`operate if the authorized user is outside a desired range and
`the lock is touched by another, unauthorized, user; 5) the lock
`may not operate if the authorized user is on the inside of the
`house, and the lock is touched on the outside by an unautho-
`rized user; and 6) the battery powered lock needs several
`months or more worth of battery life to prevent inconvenient
`and costly battery changes. 7) if a PKE fob is used, battery
`power needs to be over a year. 8) the lock can provide any-
`time, or configurable limited time, access control. 9) the lock
`has the ability to be locked without a remote access device
`Indeed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
`with respect to the above desired basic perceived behavior of
`the PKE system in a residential application, primary chal-
`lenges to be addressed include items 1 (Simplicity), 2 (speed),
`4 (distance), 5 (location), 6-7 (battery life), and 8-9 (conve-
`nience). Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve authen-
`tication speed, proximity measurement, location determina-
`tion, decrease power consumption, and increase convenience
`for example.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A wireless access control system includes a remote access
`device for authorizing access control to a lock when present
`on a user who touches, or triggers a proximity detector, of the
`lock.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
`
`65
`
`2
`
`A wireless access control system includes a remote access
`device for authorizing access control to a lock when the user
`possessing the authorized remote access device is within an
`activation range of the lock and door. If the authorized user is
`outside of activation range, signal range, or inside the lock
`and door, the remote access device will not be enabled to lock
`or unlock the door.
`
`A wireless control system includes a remote access device
`for accessing a lock. The remote access device includes a
`controller and radio signal generator. A battery powers the
`controller and radio signal generator. An accelerometer pro-
`vides an acceleration signal to the controller in response to
`sensed acceleration. The radio signal generator outputting a
`radio signal for a predetermined time period in response to an
`acceleration signal via the controller. In a preferred embodi-
`ment, an authentication circuit provides an input to the con-
`troller for encryption and authentication purposes which are
`carried by the radio signal to the lock.
`In another embodiment, the remote access device can be a
`Smartphone. In another embodiment, additional haptic feed-
`back can be utilized to control the electronic lock. A user can
`
`tap the remote access device if within activation range to
`cause a larger acceleration trigger which can be captured by
`the controller and sent to the lock via a radio signal to lock or
`unlock the electronic lock in response.
`In another embodiment, a lock includes a controller and
`radio signal transceiver to communicate with an electronic
`lock for controlling the electronic lock in response to the
`signal from the remote access device. The lock includes an
`accelerometer for determining movement, such as a knock or
`the door opening, in which the lock is disposed and control-
`ling the radio or the electronic lock via the controller as a
`function of the acceleration signal.
`In another embodiment, a real time clock provides a clock
`input to the controller, the controller allowing for config-
`urable access control ofthe electronic lock as a function ofthe
`
`time indicated by a signal from the real time clock. The
`controller operating on the real time clock signal can permit
`anytime, limited time, recurring time windows, or one-time
`use access for example.
`In another embodiment, a proximity detector which detects
`the presence of a user at or near the lock provides a proximity
`detection signal to the controller and radio for permitting
`control of the electronic lock in response to a signal from a
`remote access device when the proximity of a user is detected.
`In one embodiment, the proximity detector may be a touch
`sensor disposed within the lock or a trip light detector. In one
`embodiment, the trip light detector is located at the bottom of
`a deadbolt lock facing downwards towards the handle so
`when a user grabs the handle of the door the light detector is
`tripped and the deadbolt controller can initiate the desired
`action, for example unlocking the deadbolt.
`In another embodiment, the proximity detector can be
`intentionally triggered “n” times in a row within a predeter-
`mined time period, or be continuously held for a predeter-
`mined time period (the time period preferably being ten or
`fewer seconds) to trigger a lock event without a remote access
`device being present.
`the proximity detector which
`In another embodiment,
`detects the presence of a user at or near the lock provides a
`proximity detection signal to the controller and radio to turn
`on or change the state of the radio in order to make a connec-
`tion with an authorized remote access device and lock or
`
`unlock the electronic lock. In a preferred embodiment, the
`proximity detection activates the radio into a listening state
`for a limited period oftime to listen for remote access devices
`advertisements. This listening state requires more power
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`
`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`3
`there for it is desirable to only go into this state for a limited
`period of time upon user detection.
`In another embodiment, the lock is already communicating
`with an authorized remote access device and the proximity
`detector which detects the presence of a user at or near the
`lock provides a proximity detection signal to the controller to
`lock or unlock the electronic lock.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless access system
`according to the present invention;
`FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a lock constructed in
`accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a lock constructed in
`accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 3a is a top plan view of a remote access device
`constructed in accordance with the invention as a key;
`FIG. 3b is a front plan view of a remote access device
`constructed in accordance with yet another embodiment of
`the invention as an application for a cell phone;
`FIG. 4 is a front plan view of a Router Plug-in Unit of the
`wireless access system constructed in accordance with the
`invention;
`FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication
`between the components of the wireless access system in a
`typical residential system layout
`in accordance with the
`invention;
`FIG. 6a-6d are a flow chart of operation of the wireless
`access system in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 7a is a diagram of a system showing the local com-
`munication between the remote access and the lock in accor-
`dance with the invention;
`FIG. 7b is a diagram of a system showing range and loca-
`tion determination in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 8 is a diagram of a system showing the method of
`sending access control authorization from one remote access
`device to another in accordance with the invention;
`FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a remote access device con-
`structed in accordance with still another embodiment of the
`invention;
`FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a PKE lock constructed in
`accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and
`FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a trip light circuit for
`sensing the presence of a user in accordance with the inven-
`tion.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present description is made with reference to the
`accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are
`shown. However, many different embodiments may be used,
`and thus the description should not be construed as limited to
`the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments
`are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and
`complete. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout,
`and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements or
`steps in alternative embodiments.
`Referring to FIGS. 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, and 4, a wireless
`access system 10, for example, a PKE system, includes a lock
`11. The lock 11 may be installed in a standard deadbolt hole
`and may be battery powered, for example. The lock 1 1 may be
`a human controlled (keyed) lock, for example (FIG. 2a). The
`lock 11 includes an outer cylinder 12 that rotates freely
`around a standard key cylinder 13. When engaged, the cylin-
`der 13 is linked to a deadbolt 14 (which may optionally be part
`oflock 11), thus giving the user control to extend or retract the
`
`5
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`
`deadbolt utilizing their key. The lock 11 includes a controller
`21 or processor and wireless communication circuitry 22 for
`wireless communication which as will be discussed below,
`enable remote access device 15 to operate lock 11.
`Alternatively, in another embodiment, the lock 11' may be
`motor powered (FIG. 2b). When a user is in sufficiently close
`vicinity or touches anywhere on the lock, or in proximity of
`the lock, 11', the deadbolt 14' is driven by the motor (not
`shown) to open the lock for authorized users having the
`remote access device 15. Of course, the lock 11 may be
`another type of lock or locking mechanism and may be
`installed in any access point, for example.
`Lock 11 includes a proximity detector 27 for detecting the
`presence of a user. Proximity detector 27 outputs a presence
`signal in response to detecting a user. As discussed below,
`proximity detector 27 may be a capacitance touch sensor, a
`button, a trip light circuit, a near field detector, a radio fre-
`quency signal strength detector, an audio switch (which actu-
`ates upon receipt of audio signals of a set frequency), or the
`like. Proximity detector 27 outputs the presence signal to
`controller 21.
`
`In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, lock 11 is in a
`hibernation or low power level state. Upon triggering a prox-
`imity detector 27 outputting the presence signal by a users
`touch for example, controller 21 causes system 10 to wake up
`and start listening for remote access devices 15 advertise-
`ments. Upon finding a remote access device 15, the lock 11
`communicates with (connects) to the remote access device
`15, determines if the device 15 is an authorized user via an
`encrypted key exchange, then determines ifthe remote access
`device 15 is in range to control the lock 11, and ultimately
`provides access to an authorized user; all within a short or
`small perceived delayed time (ten seconds or less) if all the
`criteria is met.
`
`Additionally, the lock 11 may be advertising or listening
`(sending or sampling signals) at a low frequency rate in order
`to conserve battery power yet establish a communication link
`with the remote access device 15 in advance of a users touch.
`
`In this way, increasing the speed ofthe authentication process
`to create little if any perceived delay for the user.
`In another embodiment, once the lock 11 is touched by a
`user, the lock wireless communication circuitry 22 changes
`states and starts listening for a remote access device 15 adver-
`tisement. Once a connection is made authentication can be
`
`done upon connection, or upon lock or unlock request from
`remote access device 15. Once authenticated, the lock 11
`tracks the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of the
`remote access device until the algorithm determines it is
`within a defined accessible range from lock 11. The lock 11
`gathers RSSI data and utilizes this data in an algorithm to
`determine the position of the remote access device 15. Once
`the remote access device 15 is within a pre-determined acces-
`sible distance (control range), the lock grants remote access
`device 15 access control to lock or unlock the lock 11. Addi-
`
`tional antennas may be used in some embodiments for more
`accurate position determining, and to increase authorized
`user capacity and overall speed of the wireless access system
`10,
`Alternatively, in another embodiment, the lock may be a
`doorknob lock, handle lock, or other style lock for example.
`Referring now additionally to FIG. 3, the wireless access
`system 10 includes a remote access device 15. The remote
`access device 15 is advantageously a key or token authorized
`to control the lock 11. In particular, the remote access device
`15 may be a standard key including a controller 16 for con-
`trolling lock 11 via remote wireless access electronics
`coupled thereto (FIG. 3a). Remote access device 15 also
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`US 9,057,210 B2
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`5
`includes wireless communication circuitry radio 18 such as a
`radio in one non-limiting embodiment, for sending and
`receiving signals. In a preferred non-limiting example, the
`signal is a Bluetooth Low Energy signal.
`Alternatively, or additionally, the remote access device 15
`may be a mobile wireless communications device, such as,
`for example, a Smartphone that may include the remote wire-
`less access electronics described above cooperating with an
`application 17' stored in memory 17 (FIG. 3b). The applica-
`tion 17' may be configured to send a signal to provide access
`and control over the lock 11', for example. Of course, more
`than one remote access device 15' may be used and may be
`another type of remote access wireless device, for example, a
`wireless FOB without the mechanical key, as will be appre-
`ciated by those skilled in the art.
`Referring now additionally to FIG. 4, the wireless access
`system 10 also includes a Router Plug-in Unit (RPU) 30.
`Connected to mains power via a power source plug-in 38 and
`the Internet via a Ethernet port 37 to the home router. A
`controller 32 controls operation of RPU 30. In one embodi-
`ment, the RPU 30 includes a radio transceiver 33 to commu-
`nicate with lock 11 and/or remote access device 15, and
`utilizes a Bluetooth Low Energy communication protocol to
`communicate with the lock 11.
`
`The RPU 30 may link to an off-site web-based server 34 via
`a communications network such as the internet 28, for
`example. This advantageously enables RPU 30 to receive
`near real time updates for adding or removing users, one-time
`access, extended access or specific timed access, and other
`connectivity related updates and functions at lock 11, as will
`be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In addition, the RPU
`30 can send lock 11 status and transaction updates via the
`Internet 28 to the server 34 which can be viewed on a remote
`
`access device 15 or personal computer 25, for example. Addi-
`tional services may be selectively provided via the Internet
`using the connectivity of RPU 30 with server 34, for example.
`While the RPU 30 is described herein as a plugin device, it
`will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the func-
`tionality of the RPU 30 may be embodied in any of a number
`of form factors, for example, such as a mobile cellular based
`unit making use of cell network 35.
`Referring now additionally to FIG. 5, a typical residential
`setup example of the wireless access system 10 is illustrated.
`As described above with respect to FIG. 4, the RPU 30 is
`typically plugged-in to the mains power via power source
`plug-in 38 and to the internet 28 via the home router though an
`Ethernet cable and port 37, at a location near the home router.
`RPU 30 may also communicate wirelessly to the lock 11,
`which may be installed on the front door, for example.
`Operation of the wireless access system 10 will now be
`described with reference additionally to the flowchart in FIG.
`6a-6d. The lock 11, may initially be in a low power mode in
`a step 101 to conserve battery power, for example. The lock
`11 is typically in a low power mode; searching for authorized
`remote access devices 15', for example a Smartphone, at a
`lower frequency to conserve battery power, In one preferred
`non-limiting embodiment, when a user triggers the proximity
`detector 27 by touch in a Step 102, or another method, the
`lock 11 begins to listen for remote access devices 15 in a Step
`103, more specifically fobs in this embodiment. At the same
`time, system 10 powers up and controller 2 increases its
`broadcast and listening rate.
`If lock 11 “sees” (receives) an advertisement from a fob 15
`within a predetermined time period in a Step 104, and the fob
`15 is authorized for access at that time as determined by lock
`11 in a step 107, a connection is made between fob 15 and
`lock 11 in a step 110. It is then determined whether fob 15 is
`
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`still connected by determining whether communication has
`occurred within a predetermined time period in a Step 112.
`If the fob 15 has not timed out, then in a Step 114 a lock 11
`performs a challenge response verification process to authen-
`ticate the remote access device 15. If fob 15 is verified by
`comparing an identification portion of the advertisement sig-
`nal to information stored at system 10, lock 11 begins to
`gather and process location and positioning data of fob 15 in
`a step 117 utilizing Received Signal Strength Indication
`(RSSI) by way of non-limiting example. Utilizing the loca-
`tion and positioning algorithm in step 117, lock 11 can deter-
`mine if the user is within activation range in step 118. If the
`user is in the activation range as determined in step 118, the
`control of lock 11 is given to fob 15 and the lock 11 will lock
`or unlock as needed in a step 119, then the lock 11 disconnects
`from fob 15 in a step 120 and returns to step 100 to its low
`power state 101.
`If in Step 104 the advertisement from the fob 15 is not
`received within a predetermined time window or the fob is not
`authorized as determined in Steps 107 and a Step 109 in
`which the signal is ignored, or the fob connection times out in
`a Step 112, or the challenge response in Step 115 is not an
`appropriate one, then the process returns to Step 100 to be
`repeated.
`In another embodiment, controller 21 can enable locking
`the door without the use of fob 15. If proximity detector 27,
`which may include a touch sensor, determines that lock 11
`was touched at least a second time within a time window,
`preferably measured in seconds, in a Step 106, then controller
`21 determines whether lock 11 is unlocked in a step 108. If it
`is determined that lock 11 is in fact unlocked in Step 108, then
`it is determined whether or not or not the lock 11 is touched a
`
`third time within a predetermined time window measured in
`seconds or less, and if in fact the lock 1 1 is touched three times
`within the time window, then controller 21 causes lock 11 to
`lock bolt 14 in a Step 113 and the process is returned to the
`beginning in Step 100 to monitor for another remote access
`device 15. If the deadbolt is not touched the prescribed num-
`ber of times during the time window, in Steps 106 and 111, or
`is already in the locked state as determined in Step 108, then
`the process returns to Step 100 to await connection with
`another remote access device. In this way, a door can be
`locked merely by activating proximity detector 27, a prede-
`termined number of times within a predetermined time
`period, or by continuously activating proximity detector 27
`for a predetermined time period.
`In another embodiment, the system may work without the
`need to touch lock 11 in step 102. In this embodiment, lock 11
`and remote access device 15 determine that they are within
`range of each other to begin processing without the need to
`initially touch lock 11. This allows for the control of lock 11
`well ahead of being sufficient proximity of a door to touch
`lock 11.
`
`In this preferred non-limiting embodiment, an in-range
`remote access device 15', such as a Smartphone, responds in
`a Step 121 to a broadcast advertisement from the lock 11 in a
`Step 121 by controller 21. If the Smartphone 15' is authorized
`for access at that time as determined by controller 21 in a Step
`122, a connection is made in a Step 124 between a Smart-
`phone 15' and lock 11. If Smartphone 15' is authenticated
`during a challenge response verification process in Step 125,
`lock 11 begins to gather and process location and positioning
`data in a Step 127, utilizing RSSI or a signal from Global
`Positioning System (GPS) enabled Smartphone 15,
`for
`example. Utilizing the location and positioning algorithm in
`Step 127, the lock 11 can determine ifthe user is in activation
`range in a Step 129. In an optional Step 128, lock 11 may
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`US 9,057,210 B2
`
`7
`determine whether lock 11 has been touched prior to deter-
`mining whether the user is in range in Step 129. If the user is
`in activation range, lock 11 will lock or unlock (reverse state)
`in a Step 130.
`In another embodiment, information about remote access
`device 15' may be stored at any one of memory 55, and
`memory associated with personal computer 25 or server 34.
`Remote access device 15 may have limited access to lock 11.
`By way of example, access may only be during predeter-
`mined time periods of a day, or for a limited number of times;
`such as a one-time use key. If the remote access device 15',
`represents a one-time key as determined in Step 131, this key
`will be deleted from the memory or stored in the memory of
`system 10 as an invalid key in Step 132 to prevent further
`access.
`
`As with touch process, in this proximity determination
`process at any time controller 21 or 32 determines that the
`response is inappropriate (Step 125), or remote access device
`15 is not a one-time key (131) the process is returned to Step
`100 to begin again. However, if the button has not been
`pressed in Step 128 then the process merely returns to rede-
`termining the location ofremote access device 15 in Step 127.
`A hybrid approach is also possible. In a Step 105, once it is
`determined that the lock has been touched in Step 102 and
`lock 11 listens for a broadcast from fob 15 in Step 103, if a
`lock 11 determines in a step 105 that a Smartphone connect-
`able advertisement response has been received within a pre-
`determined time window; five seconds or less in a preferred
`embodiment, the process continues for Smartphone 15' at
`Step 124 as described above. If the response is not appropri-
`ate, as determined Step 105, then the process returns to the
`beginning in Step 100.
`In another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the loca-
`tion and positioning algorithm performed in a Step 127 can
`utilize RSSI in formation from the lock 11 to the remote
`
`access device 15'. This can be done by the remote access
`device 15' receiving RSSI information from the lock 11 and
`transmitting this RSSI information back to the lock 11 to be
`processed by controller 21 for location and positioning pur-
`poses.
`In another preferred non-limiting embodiment, any unau-
`thorized user can lock the lock 11 by triggering the proximity
`detector three consecutive times within a predetermined time
`window such as discussed above in Step 106. In another
`possible embodiment, the lock 11 can be touched and held for
`greater than a predetermined time to lock the lock 11.
`In another preferred non-limiting embodiment, only
`remote access devices 15 looking for a unique advertisement
`from the lock 11 will respond with a connectable advertise-
`ment. In this way, the system can provide access control to
`many possible authorized devices without adding additional
`delays per additional authorized devices.
`In another embodiment in which the remote access device
`
`15' is a Smartphone, tablet, or